The Arawâks formerly inhabited the whole of the West Indian Islands. Those in the Lesser Antilies were exterminated by the Caribs, before the discovery of America by Columbus. The inhabitants of the larger island perished soon after that event, under the oppression of the Spaniards.

The few Arawâks who dwell near the coast of Guiana and whose legends are here given are now the only known representatives of a gentle and once numerous race.